Monthly Archives: February 2013

“No, Kath, it’s never gonna happen. I don’t want a dog in the house or peeing all over my lawn. We don’t need the hassle -- we have enough going on in our lives!”

My husband uttered these very words every time I broached the idea of getting a dog. I’d always been an animal lover, but I grew up with cats so I only half-heartedly fought for a dog. Cats were an easy sell. But a dog required real commitment.

My husband’s attitude changed, however, when, four kids and 11 years of marriage later, I asked one more time, this time mentioning how good I thought it would be for our oldest son to have a buddy (thanks to BOGO Susan and BOGO Sara for encouraging the idea!). Christopher struggles with social awareness and maturity, and as a result has very few friends. It breaks our hearts. Every parent wants to fix the holes in our children’s hearts any way they know how, so at that moment it became obvious: We had to get a dog for Christopher.

Charlie

Mac

I began my search instantly. That Saturday I somehow convinced my husband to pack up the kids and all go to our local PetCo for a Last Hope rescue event. We were just looking, or at least that’s what I told myself at the time, since we were leaving for a weeklong vacation in Disney World the next week. This is no time to bring home a dog! But we went anyway. As soon as we laid eyes on Charlie, a 1-year-old Pomeranian/shih tzu/wire fox terrier mix, we fell in love. The kids and I were ecstatic, and the next day we brought him into our home and our family.

That was October 7, 2012. Yesterday, January 13, 2013, we added another little guy to our family. Mac is a 4-month-old schnauzer/terrier mix who is playful, affectionate, and all puppy. So far he and Charlie are two peas in a pod, although Charlie could stand to teach him a thing or two about where the Diaz dogs should do their business. Having just been through all this with Charlie, though, we are prepared for Mac’s shenanigans and understand the value of patience during this time of training.

Dogs change people. I have a life full of love and laughter and delight, yet adding two pups to share that with has only made my life that much sweeter. My husband only begrudgingly agreed to get Charlie, and three months later was on petfinder.com for hours at a time, looking to rescue the perfect second dog. How did this happen? What have we become?!

I guess we’ve become dog-lovers. Unabashed, unapologetic dog-lovers. The kind of dog lovers who welcome a good face lick and don’t mind wearing a bag around our hands as we pace the yard looking for their “remains of the day.” The hysterical joy they feel every time we walk through the door is enough to make me feel like the Duchess of Cambridge, and the warmth of their snoring bodies at night comforts me after a bad day.

So thank you, BOGO Susan and BOGO Sara, for that gentle nudge into Dogland. I now know what you two have known for years, and now that I’m here, I’ll never go back.

It’s always refreshing to see celebrities “do good,” especially when it involves rescue animals. Animal adoption in the entertainment world has really picked up within the last few years. It’s wonderful to witness this trend as they influence others to adopt needy pets, too.

Not only are stars welcoming new pets into their lives, some have even started their own rescue facilities and foundations:

Miranda Lambert – This popular country music star considers her several rescue dogs children. Lambert founded MuttNation Foundation (http://muttnationfoundation.com ) over four years ago. The funds raised have helped build shelters, promote adoptions, and rehabilitate sick animals. MuttNation also facilitates training programs for shelter dogs that are used in therapy for military and people in prison.

Emmylou Harris – Nashville’s 12-time Grammy winner has started a fostering service for unwanted pups in her own backyard. Bonaparte’s Retreat (http://www.bonapartesretreat.org ) was founded in 2004 and named after one of her beloved dogs. Their mission is to take dogs that have run out of time.

Katherine Heigl – This movie actress has seven dogs and a heart for rescue. Her family started an animal rescue group named for her late brother who was also an avid animal lover. The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation helps protect the voiceless and innocent (http://jasonheiglfoundation.org). Heigl has also started her own pet products line where a percentage of each purchase goes towards helping shelter animals.

Other animal-loving celebs have rescue pets and openly proclaim their love of the furry four-legged companions:

Kelly Clarkson – Not only does this American Idol winner rescue dogs, but she also adopts horses and pigs. She has 50 different rescue animals!

Jane Lynch – Glee funny-woman Lynch loves dogs. She’s an advocate for pet adoption and is involved with PETA. Lhasa Apso Olivia has been her therapy dog for 13 years.

Trent Reznor – Nine Inch Nails front man is an animal lover and longtime supporter of rescuing greyhounds. His concerts and merchandise benefit animal organizations. Reznor has adopted several greyhounds that accompany him to his practice space.

Charlize Theron – This actress advocates for homeless animals as much as she can. She has taken in abused and abandoned rescue dogs for many years. “It just kills me when people run to pet stores. This is the season to adopt.” says Theron.

Kaley Cuoco - The Big Bang Theory actress has adopted three very lucky Pit Bulls. She works with Los Angeles based non-profits to promote a positive image of Pitties. Cuoco believes in helping smaller rescues, and thinks that donating and volunteering is very important.

Sandra Bullock - Special needs dogs are near and dear to this Oscar winner’s heart. Bullock has adopted one three-legged dog, one two-legged dog, and one pooch that is missing an eye.

What do you do when you’re having a bad day? Some people eat their feelings. Some people get on the phone and vent. But others, like me… turn to Pinterest. Now, Pinterest is an almost daily time-sucker, so I pin even when it’s not a bad day, but when it is, it makes things that.much.better.

Typically, I pin DIY and domestic related things (i.e. cooking, tips to fold a fitted sheet, etc.) but on bad days… my go to… is animal pictures. While, I do appreciate all pictures, I am particularly fond of any of them featuring a Pug. It’s a “Pugly” obsession really, as certifiable as my former cat obsession. I’ll climb on the couch, call sweet Pippa the Pomeranian over, and we will scope out her new sister, Kate. Our personal favorites are costumed pugs or pug photos with captions.

Here are a few laughs to brighten up your day, courtesy of this fantastic thing called Pinterest.

Why no... no I’ve never seen a dog shower like that? Usually, I am far more wet than than the sweet Pup when it’s wash time. Perhaps, I need to look into a shower-time method for Pippa. This is brilliant.Now, tell me that you aren't laughing at the Yoda pug with the caption… I mean really? You can almost hear the pug saying the caption in Yoda’s voice.

Now, I don’t know what it is about Pugs in costumes that are so hilarious… but out of all the dog breeds, they tend to have the funniest costumed pictures. Big bug eyes, wild tongues… squishy faced wrinkly fur babies. I just want to give them ‘pugs’ and kisses all over.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Pug in Waiting, Shark Pug, Freddy Krueger Pug

Some pug owners are quite creative when it comes to costuming their four legged loves and seeing the unique costumes that make you literally laugh out loud are welcomed joys to a foul day.

I’ll leave you on this note. Flash ahead to my future Halloween. This is it. Kate will be some sushi and perhaps, I will color Pippa green and she can be some wasabi?